Cyclone Ditwah Weakens, But Floods Threaten India Coasts

Cyclone Ditwah, previously a red-category warning for north Tamil Nadu and surrounding areas, has now weakened into a deep depression. Despite its diminished strength, the cyclone has already caused significant disruption, leading to three deaths in Tamil Nadu from rain-related incidents. Heavy to very-heavy rainfall is anticipated across several districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in isolated areas. Coastal regions are also experiencing gale-force winds, with gusts reaching up to 80 km/h.

Neighboring Andhra Pradesh is also facing the brunt of the weather system, with expectations of light to moderate rainfall and heavy downpours in isolated pockets, particularly in south-coastal Andhra Pradesh and the Rayalaseema region. Proactive measures have been taken, including the relocation of 375 pregnant women nearing delivery to hospitals, as part of a larger effort to move nearly 7,900 such individuals to safer locations across the state.

In response to the severe weather, schools and colleges in several districts of Tamil Nadu had been closed earlier, and all private and government-aided schools in Puducherry remain shut for the day. Meteorological offices predict that rainfall and gusty winds will persist for the next 24 to 48 hours, posing a continued risk to coastal districts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, and parts of Andhra Pradesh.